Mother and sons play for New Zealand in Blind World T20

The Blind World T20 continues to amaze the human spirit. The tournament has seen some dedicated sportspersons, who have battled physical hardships to represent their country in a pinnacle tournament. It was Australia’s Christine Casey who made the news a couple of days ago. She was the only woman cricketer in the Australian Blind team in the Blind World T20 currently being played in India.

Now, another motivating and inspiring tale comes from across the trans-Tasman border lines. New Zealand cricketer Donna McCaskill is another woman cricketer who is playing in the World T20 at the moment. What comes as a surprise further is the fact that she has her two sons as her teammates in the team. Donna McCaskill and her sons, Deacan Dunn (age 15) and Marquele McCaskill (age 18), are all representing the black caps in the second edition of the tournament.

All the three players fall in the B3 category of players in the event. Donna is unmarried and was a part of the New Zealand side in the 2006 World Cup. As per the quotes in the Mid Day, she noted that she helps her teammates by making drinks for them. Interestingly, she also heads the New Zealand Blind Cricket Association and is an active member of the Blind Foundation in Parnell, Auckland.

“I prepare drinks for my teammates. I also distribute food packets and help them to wash their hands and act as a physiotherapist when needed. My younger son (Deacan) is in school and Marquele is a university student. It is exciting to play with them,” quoted Donna.

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She signed off on a very motivating note as she said, “I love challenges. And blindness is nowhere a barrier.” The tournament might not be getting the best of viewerships. But the spirit that these players show is absolutely commendable. It is always heartwarming to see such inspiring stories.